Arguments heard on Crossings Mall bridge financing plan

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — The U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Clarksburg heard testimony and arguments regarding plans to rebuild a bridge to Crossings Mall in Kanawha County.

The bridge was destroyed in the June 2016 flood, resulting in more than 500 people losing their jobs as the bridge was the only access to the shopping complex near Elkview.

Property owner Tara Retail and counsel representing the Kanawha County Commission were before Judge Patrick Flatley.

Tara Retail put forward a financing plan to rebuild the bridge, which must be approved by the court. The counsel argued Flatley must approve a final confirmation fate for when bridge construction would be completed.

A bridge contractor said he expects it will take 60 days for the bridge to be built.

Flatley said he wants to move as quickly as possible.

The court will schedule a telephone hearing to announce the decision, with the announcement possibly coming as soon as Friday.